Dell Tests Player to Renew iPod Battle

Music Device Is Key
To Broader Strategy

By

Justin Scheck

Updated July 30, 2008 11:59 p.m. ET

Dell Inc. failed once to move into Apple Inc.'s digital-music turf. Now, it is plotting another foray.

In recent months, Dell has been testing a digital music player that could go on sale as early as September, said several Dell officials. Launching the player -- along with an online download service and related software -- would be part of a strategy that Dell Chief Executive Michael Dell hopes will move the company into a broader...